asked the Minister for Justice if he will introduce legislation to abolish attempted suicide as an indictable offence; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Attempted Suicide Offences.
26.
The Criminal Justice Bill, which I have mentioned in the House already, and which will deal with this and many other matters, is at an advanced stage of preparation and will be introduced as soon as possible.
Having regard to the good intentions of the Minister in this regard, will he endeavour to prevail upon the Attorney General not to bring prosecutions in relation to this outmoded offence, that is to say, that the legislation under which it is sought to prosecute people for this offence is, I think, not in keeping with modern trends of thought in this regard and it is unrealistic that prosecution should be brought?
I know it is the practice of the Attorney General to treat a case of this kind in a very sympathetic way.
I appreciate that, but I think the practice is to initiate the prosecution and then later on to enter a nolle prosequi. I think it is unsatisfactory in the circumstances, having regard to the fact that most of these cases concern people of unsound mind, and this legal process intimidates these unfortunate people.
It is a matter the Attorney General is considering very closely at the moment.